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Unifor members ratify new collective agreement with SaskTel

REGINA—New protocols for discussing working conditions are some of the highlights of a new three-year collective agreement ratified by members of Unifor Locals 1-S and 2-S.

“Unifor members are at the core of successful Saskatchewan Crown corporations like SaskTel,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “This agreement helps make workers part of the discussion to maintain high-quality services while protecting good jobs.”

Lana Payne letter to Ministers Champagne, Ng and O’Regan re: CUSMA six-year review

The Honourable Minister François-Philippe Champagne, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry        

The Honourable Mary Ng, P.C., M.P. 
Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development

The Honourable Minister O’Regan, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Labour and Seniors

Ministers Champagne, Ng, O’Regan,

New digital ads from Unifor and PSAC target Best Theratronics to bargain a fair deal

Unifor and the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) have launched a series of digital billboard ads directed at Best Theratronics in Kanata, Ont., to treat their workers with respect and get back to the bargaining table with a fair deal.

“This company has ignored our members’ concerns about workplace safety by use of scab labour and continue to have the nerve of proposing a two-year contract, with zero wage increases,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

Wages, pensions addressed in new Quaker Oats contract

Members at PepsiCo Foods Canada, which operate the Quaker Oats manufacturing facility in Peterborough, Ont., have ratified a new three-year contract.

“Congratulations to the bargaining committee for fighting for a contract that addresses the needs of the members,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 

“As we’re living through an affordability crisis, there needs to be equity when it comes to accessing wages and benefits – whether it’s new hires or retired workers, and I’m proud that the union succeeded.” 

Unifor members ratify new contract with Taseko, ending strike at Gibraltar mine

WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C.—Significant wage increases and equity measures are key features of a three-year collective agreement ratified this evening by Unifor Local 3018.

“Unifor members in Williams Lake have successfully negotiated a collective agreement that reflects their important contribution to the success of Taseko,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “The bargaining committee showed great leadership in demanding new equity practices. The members’ solid support for their committee during this 18-day strike was critical to being successful.”

Sustainable Jobs Act a positive step forward for workers and the net-zero transition

OTTAWA—Unifor welcomes Bill C-50, the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act, passing third reading as an important milestone for workers in the transition to net-zero.

“Passing Bill C-50 puts Canada on the right path to creating and sustaining the jobs of today and tomorrow in an economy in transition,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

Unifor celebrates Senate passing of anti-scab legislation

OTTAWA—Unifor is celebrating the passage of anti-scab legislation after Bill C-58 was adopted by the Senate at third reading without amendment.

“This is a watershed moment for Canadian workers as after more than a century of struggle legislation will finally prevent the use of scabs in federally governed workplaces,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Now Unifor will continue the fight to enact strong and meaningful anti-scab legislation in every province and territory to ensure that the bargaining power of all workers across the country is protected.”

Unifor Local 1106 members at Traverse Independence ratify 3-year collective agreement

Unifor Local 1106 members at Traverse Independence in Kitchener have ratified a new 3-year collective agreement resulting in several significant improvements for members.

“One of the major challenges the union faced during the negotiations was securing wage increases amid stagnant government funding,” said Unifor Ontario Regional Director, Samia Hashi. “This agreement highlights the strength and solidarity of our members, ensuring they are recognized and rewarded for their dedication and hard work.”

Unifor members reject mediator’s recommendations, setting up strike vote at Shell

EDMONTON—Unifor Local 530-A members at Shell Scotford have voted overwhelmingly to reject a mediator’s recommendations for terms of settlement that would have kept the refinery workers well-below industry standards for compensation.

“We have been clear from the start: Shell workers deserve wages and benefits consistent with other Unifor energy workers,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Local 530-A will not settle for second class status.”

Basic protections for B.C. gig workers are a step forward

VANCOUVER—A wage floor and access to workers' compensation for gig workers are among the positive changes to employment standards regulations announced June 12 by the Government of B.C.

“B.C. is leading the way to enshrine the basic rights of the gig workers,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Today’s proposals will take gig workers one step closer to economic fairness.”

Atlantic Regional Council aims for provincial anti-scab legislation and increased health and safety protections

Unifor members in the Atlantic region marked a decade of fightbacks and victories as the Atlantic Regional Council convened in Halifax, Nova Scotia from June 10-12.

Longtime friend of the council and Elder at the Mi’kmaq Native Friendship Centre Debbie Eisen welcomed attendees to Mi’kmaqi. Unifor Indigenous Relations Officer Gina Smoke spoke about smudging and the smudging kits delegates received.

10 Years of Atlantic Regional Council

Unifor members in the Atlantic region reflect on a decade of building worker power and the incredible community of trade unionists responsible for the biggest worker victories over the past ten years.

Letter regarding Enbridge Gas Reduction in Shifts

Her Worship Olivia Chow
Mayor, City of Toronto
@email    

Dear Mayor Chow,

Re: Enbridge Gas Reduction in Shifts (SM35669)

Unifor, Canada’s largest private sector union, is writing to express our concern regarding proposed cuts by Enbridge Gas that may negatively affect the safety and increase costs for residents of Toronto.

There are two issues affecting Toronto:

World Refugee Day Statement 2024

Image source: Julie Ricard 

On June 20, we observe World Refugee Day, a moment to reflect on the struggles and resilience of refugees around the globe and to reaffirm our commitment to their rights and dignity.

Unifor working to mitigate impacts of possible Fort Nelson gas plant closure

FORT NELSON—Unifor has received six-months notice of a possible closure or partial-closure of the Fort Nelson Gas Plant (FNGP) from North River Midstream and is working with the company to ensure severance provisions are followed in the event of a closure.

The notice is a requirement of the Unifor National Energy Pattern Bargaining Agreement. 

“It is concerning news and we will work hard to ensure that our members receive appropriate severance and related accommodations,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 

Unifor Local 112 ratifies new agreement with W Hotel in Toronto

Wage increases, benefits enhancements, and gratuity improvements are key highlights of a new three-year collective agreement with the W Hotel ratified on June 1, 2024 by members of Unifor Local 112.

“Unifor members are standing up to employers and negotiating excellent contracts in the hospitality sector,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “The standard set at the W Hotel today will help form the basis for upcoming hotel negotiations in Toronto.”

Unifor Women in Skilled Trades

For more than twenty years, the Unifor Women in Skilled Trades and Technology Awareness program has provided hands on training and support to open paths for women to work in Skilled Trades. Watch Unifor’s strong and fierce mentors share their knowledge with the next generation of Skilled Trades women.

Health care workers rally for fair deal

Health care workers, members of Unifor Local 598 and community supporters rallied outside Jarlette Health Services in Midland, Ontario demanding fair wages and for the employer to come back to the bargaining table and negotiate a collective agreement. 

VIA’s new baggage policy: Prioritizing efficiency over accessibility

VIA Rail’s recent changes to its baggage policy highlight a shift in priorities, making eco-friendly travel more challenging in Canada. 

Passenger rail travel remains the most environmentally-friendly mode of intercity transport, crucial for many remote and isolated communities. VIA Rail serves as a vital link for those needing to travel for family, work, school, and health care.